Govt., opposition trade charges over Rohith Vemula’s suicide

New Delhi, Feb. 26 (ANI): A united opposition on Friday lashed out at Union Human Resource and Deevelopment (HRD) Minister Smriti Irani over her remark that Hyderabad University PhD scholar Rohith Vemula, who committed suicide last month, was not denied any fellowship money.

Under fire over the Dalit scholar’s suicide, Irani said in the Rajya Sabha, “It is incorrect that there is no member of SC community in the inquiry committee. Rohith Vemula’s mother asked for a judicial inquiry into child’s death. I assured her justice will be done.”

Responding to the HRD Minister’s claims, BSP supremo Mayawati said that she was not satisfied with Irani’s answers and accused her of indulging in drama to cover up the entire episode.

“It is incorrect that there is no member of SC community in the inquiry committee. The probe commission has not kept any Dalit member. There is no intention of giving justice to Rohith Vemula,” Mayawati said.

“Rather than doing drama, a job should have been given to Rohith Vemula’s younger brother. His mother is demanding a job from Delhi Government,” she added.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader Yechury also attacked the HRD Minister for her inaction in the case.

“I don’t want to be personal at all. If the honourable minister wants to be personal, that’s up to her. I will not stoop to that level,” he said.

“Did government probe Rohith Vemula’s request for poison?” he asked.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley later defended Irani and said, “Every word the minister has spoken has been authenticated.” (ANI)